Buyer - Handbags

**Job no**: 534560

**Work type**: Full-Time, Limited Tenure

**Location**: Melbourne - CBD & Inner, Melbourne - East

**Categories**: Merchandise

As part of a high performing and hugely collaborative merchandise function, we are looking for an experienced and commercial Buyer to lead success within handbags.

As a category delivering outstanding growth, you will have considerable responsibility to discover opportunity and growth with our vendor. Your role will focus building strong relationships with new and existing suppliers to drive commercial results, for a 7-month limited tenure contract. We are looking for someone with experience in a Buying role with an appreciation of the emerging trends that inform consumer shopping behaviour with an analytical and outcomes orientated mindset.

Based in Melbourne with a hybrid mix of time in the office and from home, this role will suit a passionate commercial buyer who thrives in a high paced and commercially evolving environment.

**_ Please note, this parental leave cover will be from 1_**_st_**_ May 2023 - 22_**_nd_**_ December 2023. _**

**What does the role involve?**
- Select merchandise assortments by channel that satisfy our value proposition, strategy and customer expectation
- Drive opportunities with vendors through relationship building
- Implement and manage agreed price curves and brand maps by channel
- Drive performance to achieve sales, GP dollars, GMROI and stock turn targets each season
- Achieve margin within buying and manage purchases within agreed OTB limits
- Manage markdowns, promotions and achieve aged inventory standards within policy guidelines
- Develop, cultivate, and evolve partnerships with a range of Australian and international suppliers

**What are we looking for?**
- Demonstrated experience working in a Buying role within Accessories, apparel or similar categories
- A strong understanding of Australian retail and international buying
- Commercial acumen and confidence working with senior stakeholders
- Highly analytical, excellent communication skills and the ability to lead discussions
- Appreciation for trends
- Exposure to managing drop shipment commercial arrangements with vendors ideal
- Demonstrated ability working in fast paced environments and balancing competing priorities
- A dynamic and motivating leader with strong people management skills

**Why work for us?**
- A competitive remuneration package, including an annual bonus incentive
- Generous employee discounts across David Jones
- An additional day of leave for your birthday
- The opportunity to support community partnerships through our Corporate Social Responsibility program
- Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices
- Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

**About Us**
- Since 1838, David Jones’ limitless quest for innovation and progress established us as Australia’s original influencer in fashion & lifestyle. Today, our vision and purpose to continue this legacy is to be the destination that inspires, with experiences and services Like No Other._
- Our current parent company, Woolworths Holdings Limited (JSE:WHL) have entered into a binding agreement for Anchorage Capital Partners to acquire David Jones, bringing our business back into Australian ownership and securing the next chapter of our growth journey._
- Anchorage is one of Australia’s leading and most highly experienced private equity firms, who will leverage their deep industry expertise, hands-on approach with management, and continued investment to drive key initiatives to grow the David Jones business and deliver sustainable future performance._

**Advertised**: 15 Feb 2023 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
**Applications close**: 05 Mar 2023 AUS Eastern Daylight Time